Hurricane Melissa’s passage through Jamaica has left Caymanas Park, the island’s premier horse racing venue, counting the cost of significant damage. The hurricane, which swept through the island on October 28, caused widespread destruction, forcing the suspension of racing activities.

The disruption to operations at Caymanas Park and its Off Track Betting network islandwide has had a significant impact on the racing industry.

The suspension of racing has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue, with Solomon Sharpe, executive chairman of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment, estimating that the two-week suspension could result in losses exceeding $200 million.

“We are still adding it up. We have reached about $165 million and still counting, and so it could easily run over $200 million,” Sharpe said in an interview with the Sunday Observer on Thursday.

Despite the setback, Sharpe remains optimistic, emphasising the need to “pivot and keep going”. He said the focus is now on restoring the facility and preparing for the resumption of racing on November 15.

“We are trying to get the plant back in order. The electricity has been restored about 98 per cent; we never lost water; the racetrack is in good condition; and so all the functional areas are pretty much up and running. We are working on all the other things to get the plant ready for next week,” Sharpe said.

However, some areas still require attention, including the stables, which suffered damage. Repairs are at the procurement stage. Sharpe says that the impact of the hurricane will affect profit growth for the year.

“This is a significant hit. There’s nothing different from any other business phase in a time like this, and it is something that has been severely impacted. With the nature and the dynamic of the business, you just have to keep moving,” he said.

The impact of the hurricane is not limited to the financial losses. The racing industry, which is a significant contributor to Jamaica’s economy, Sharpe said, is also feeling the effects. He says that many people, including horsemen, trainers, and support staff, rely on the racing industry for their livelihood. The suspension of racing has left them without income, adding to the economic burden of the hurricane.

“If we don’t put on the show next weekend, the horsemen don’t get paid,” he said. “Everybody seems excited and ready to participate next week, and so we expect some good entries, and so we can generate some income so that they can get paid.”

Broadcasting boxes on the roof at Caymanas Park suffered damage from Hurricane Melissa. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

SHARPE…with the nature and the dynamic of the business, you just have to keep moving.

A tractor preparing the racing surface on Saturday, November 1. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)